Florida Beaches Guide - Caladesi Island State Park

GG Staff | 06/18/2008 - 10:41 | Add new comment

Florida's Gulf Coast, near Clearwater Beach and accessible from Honeymoon Island State Park

A short ferry ride from Honeymoon Island State Park you'll find the secluded Caladesi Island. We think it's perfect, and apparently so do a lot of other people. It's a consistent winner of best beach in North America, by Dr. Beach (Stephan Leatherman).

After a hurricane separated it from Hog Island (Honeymoon Island now) 1921, Caladesi Island became part of a group of 6 islands with almost 2000 Caladesi Island State Parkacres of beautiful white sands. Whether you go for the beach, the fishing, the hiking or just the time away from everything, Caladesi Island will soon become your favorite beach getaway.

Caladesi is accessible from Clearwater Beach, a highly developed and very congested area.. It's roughly an hour's walk from Pier 60.

Accommodations: Clearwater has an endless selection of places to stay - luxury resorts, condos, hotels, motels, inns and cozy B&Bs.

Caladesi Island Local Activities: There's the expected swimming and sunbathing, but you'll also find fishing, kayaking and hiking the 3-mile loop through the island's nature trail.

Caladesi Island Area Attractions: Caladesi Island is one of the few natural islands left along Florida's Gulf Coast, making it the home a luscious and healthy mangrove forest. Mangroves shelter the island's animals and help preserve the natural beauty of the beach and the island.

Caladesi Island Area Events:

Clearwater Jazz Holiday (October): 4 days and 4 nights full of Jazz music.
Fun'N Sun Illuminated Night Parade (December): Marching bands, colorful floats, and decorated cars take the streets of downtown Clearwater.

Caladesi Island Nightlife: Crickets anyone? If you're looking for more "human fun," Clearwater is home to the some of the best bars, pubs and restaurants. But you can always laugh the night away at some of the downtown Clearwater comedy clubs. Cabs and taxis are available at all hours so transportation to and from your hotel is no problem.

Caladesi Island Weather: Spring and summer temperatures range from 65F - 90F, while fall and winter temperatures drop to 50F - 70F.

Caladesi Island Facilities: Caladesi Island has bathhouses, picnic tables and pavilions, a marina with electric and water hookups, a snack bar and a concession stand.

Beach Fees: Private boats are $4 for up to 8 passengers. Ferry fees are $9 for adults, $4 for children (ages 4 -12) and kids under 4 years ride free. There is also a $5 fee to visit Honeymoon Island.

For more information or help planning your next Florida getaway, visit Clearwater Chamber of Commerce.

Love Florida beaches? See all Florida beaches in our guide:

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Florida Beaches Guide - Caladesi Island State Park